MTN Bright Scholars Alumni Empowered with New Networking Platform

MTN Empowers Bright Scholars Alumni with New Networking Platform

MTN Ghana, the country's leading telecom giant, has launched the Bright Scholars Alumni Network in Accra, a platform designed to connect over 1,200 scholarship beneficiaries and support the next generation of young Ghanaians.

The network was unveiled at a ceremony attended by senior management members, including Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Madam Adwoa Wiafe, and Chief Financial Officer, Madam Antoinette Kwofie.

New Networking Platform for Bright Scholars Alumni

The Bright Scholars Alumni Network is a platform that aims to bridge the gap between scholarship beneficiaries and their professional networks. According to Madam Adwoa Wiafe, the network will provide mentorship, CV reviews, job connections, and peer support to its members.

She noted that while some young people inherit professional networks, others do not. The Alumni Network is designed to address this gap by providing a platform for members to connect, learn from each other, and access opportunities.

Scholarship Impact and Future Commitments

The MTN Bright Scholarship has supported 1,222 students since its introduction in 2017, including 299 who graduated with first-class honours. The scholarship provides tuition, accommodation support, laptops, and stipends for books.

Madam Wiafe said the programme has had a significant impact on the lives of its beneficiaries. "They represent real lives, real families, real ambitions and young people whose potential might otherwise have been limited by financial circumstances," she said.

MTN has reaffirmed its commitment to education by announcing 1,500 new scholarships over three years, with 500 to be awarded this year.

Empowering Continuous Learning

General Manager for HR Operations & Analytics at MTN Ghana, Mr. Abdallah Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of continuous learning in today's fast-changing job market. He said the world of work has changed, and having a university degree is no longer enough to guarantee success.

"You are not defined by your first degree," he told the gathering. "Having a university degree is important, but your degree should not limit what you can become or the career opportunities you can pursue."

Mr. Ibrahim used his own journey as an example, saying his first degree was in Accounting, but his career has taken him into Human Resources, Operations, and Analytics. He urged young people to develop new competencies throughout their careers and to be proactive in seeking opportunities.

Call to Action for Alumni and Youth

Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Mrs. Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, urged the newly elected executives of the Bright Scholars Alumni Network to protect the interests of members, maintain unity, and ensure programmes respond to members' needs.

She also urged Ghanaian youth to use technology productively through platforms like the MTN Skills Academy, which offers courses in cybersecurity, data science, and other digital skills. "Your phone should be a tool for acquiring skills, not just entertainment," she said.

The launch of the Bright Scholars Alumni Network marks an important milestone in MTN's efforts to empower young Ghanaians through education and skills development.

Source: JOY